RACE REPORT

Today saw another cracking 5km road race hosted by Inbhear Dee AC.

Just over 400 turned out to take part in this beautiful, semi-flat road race which had a fast and furious downhill start before leveling out to hit the "Streets of Wicklow" town, this was followed by a stunning stretch of approx 800 meters along the coast line where the sun was glistening off the sea before meandering through twisting roads eventually ending with a gradual climb to the finish.

The weather was very kind again this year with the sun showing it's pretty face and not a breath of wind - this was all making for a great competitive race with some very talented athletes lining out.

START LINE

The Streets of Wicklow - now a well established St Stephen's day road race has well passed it's 10th year, the quality of this event keeps getting better and better every year with more club athletes wanting to get out to run off the Christmas day indulgences. 3 years ago the route was changed which has put more of a competitive edge on things. with cash prizes on offer, age category prizes and a fastest family category - there really is something for everyone.

As 14 minutes approached on the clock - the excitement was building - the burning question is close to being answered - "will there be a new course record today?" Conditions were perfect for that to happen. As you can see - the wait was shorts and the question was answered - yes, yes, yes, the men have a new course record set by DSD's Hiko Tonosa

2nd place and not that far behind was Thomas Fitzpatrick from Tallaght AC

With Emmett Dunleavey from Sligo AC taking 3rd place

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As you can see -there was no shortage of excitement in the lady's either as last year's winner Linda Byrne from DSD returns to defend her title, we also had Kilcoole's - Una Britton looking for the title and Inbhear Dee's own Claire Earls who has been moving up positions every year.

How-ever it was the host club of Inbhear Dee that stole the lady's title with Emma O'Brien narrowly missing the course record - watch out 2019.

Last year's winner finished in 2nd place a few seconds behind with Kilcoole's - Una Britton showing her tough side as she battles to the finish line in 3rd